What's a Twunk? Definition, When to Use & More

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A guide to twunks, twinks, bears & more queer identity terms

Co-authored by Cheyenne Main

Last Updated: August 30, 2024 Fact Checked

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“Twunk” Meaning

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Using “Twunk” in Context

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Twink vs. Twunk

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More LGBTQ+ Slang

Have you seen the word “twunk” popping up online? This slang term in the LGBTQ+ community is actually a combination of the words “twink” and “hunk,” and typically describes a young, thin, but well-toned or muscly queer man. Read on to learn more about twunks, when it's appropriate to use the term, and what the difference is between a twink and a twunk.

Twunk Definition

“Twunk” is a slang term for a young, slim, but muscular gay or queer man. It comes from a combination of the words “twink,” which refers to a young, slender gay man, and “hunk,” a slang term for a handsome, muscly man. You might use this word to describe yourself or someone else (if they’re comfortable with it).

Section 1 of 4:

What does “twunk” mean?

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A twunk is a young, slim, but muscular gay or queer man. Twunk is a combination of “twink” and “hunk”—it’s basically a guy who might be seen as more feminine than masculine, but who also has muscles. Imagine a younger, queer man with a clean-shaven appearance, defined biceps, and abs.^{[1]
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- A “hunk” is an older slang word that describes a handsome, well-built man.^{[2]
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  Research source} A “twink” typically refers to an attractive, young, slender gay man.^{[3]
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- Celebs like Olympic diver and gold medalist Tom Daley have been described as a “twunk.”^{[4]
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- Although twunk was popularized and frequently refers to gay or bisexual men, people who identify as non-binary and other queer folks might also use this term to describe themselves.

Section 2 of 4:

Using “Twunk” in Context

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Use twunk to describe a queer person who is muscular but slim. While people in the LGBTQ+ community use terms like “twunk,” they have also been used in derogatory ways to stereotype people, so it’s important to ask if the person is comfortable with that label first.^{[5]
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Research source} If they say it’s okay, you might call them a twunk when you’re describing them.
- “He says he’s a total twunk, but I told him he doesn’t have enough muscles to be called that.”
- “I met this super cute twunk online, want to see a picture of him?”
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Describe yourself as a twunk if you feel like that label fits you. If you feel like the slender-but-muscular description fits you well, you might reference yourself as a “twunk” when talking to other people. You might also use this as a hashtag on social media posts or in your dating bio.
- “After I started hitting the gym, I totally transformed from a twink to a twunk.”
- “If you’re looking for a lovable twunk who likes hiking and playing video games, I’m the guy for you.”
- “Soaking up the summer sun in my new swimsuit. What do you think? #twunk”

Section 3 of 4:

What’s the difference between a “twink” and a “twunk?”

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A twunk is a more muscular version of a twink. While “twink” is a label or stereotype that refers to a young, hairless, thin gay man in their early 20s, “twunk” describes a more toned, chiseled version of that.^{[6]
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Research source} Both terms were popularized by gay men and have since extended to other parts of the LGBTQ+ community.
- For example, singer Troye Sivan self-identifies as a twunk.^{[7]
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  Research source} Someone like actor Timothée Chalamet (although he isn’t queer) might be called a twink, too.^{[8]
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- The earliest use of the word “twink” was in the 1950s, while “twunk” is a more recent term.^{[9]
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- Since these terms describe a person’s appearance, they may be used as stereotypes or derogatory labels. Try to use them only if the other person is comfortable with it.

Section 4 of 4:

Other Descriptive Terms in the LGBTQ+ Community

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Gym rat A gym rat is someone who enjoys physical activity and spends a lot of time working out at the gym.^{[10]
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Research source} Although this term isn’t restricted to the LGBTQ+ community, it’s typically used in queer circles to describe a gay person who loves exercise and has the muscles to show for it.^{[11]
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- “Gym bunny” and “muscle Mary” are more derogatory stereotypes that typically describe gay men who work out at the gym to keep their youthful looks for as long as possible.^{[12]
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Bear A bear often describes a gay or bisexual man with facial or body hair and a hunky, cuddly body.^{[13]
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Research source} Bears vary in size, shape, and skin tone, but the stereotypical bear might be a burly, hairy man with facial hair who wears clothing associated with blue-collar workers.^{[14]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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- “Bear” is also an umbrella term for people in the bear subculture who celebrate having a traditionally masculine appearance while showing affection and intimacy, which are traditionally feminine traits.^{[15]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  
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- “Cub,” “dolphin,” “otter,” and “wolf” might all fit under the “bear” umbrella term as sub-identities.^{[16]
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- Bears are sometimes described as the opposite of twunks.^{[17]
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Wolf Someone who calls themselves a “wolf” might be a slender, more dominant or aggressive version of a bear.^{[18]
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Research source} While bears are believed to have larger body types, the stereotypical wolf might have a more toned physique and a suave James Bond vibe.^{[19]
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- However, your body type doesn’t automatically define what label you should use. Describe yourself with whatever word you feel most comfortable with!
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Cub Someone who describes themselves as a “cub” might look like a younger or younger-looking version of a bear, and may have a smaller physical frame.^{[20]
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Research source} This term is also sometimes used to imply being the more passive partner in a queer relationship.^{[21]
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- The opposite of a cub might be a “polar bear” or “daddy bear”—a self-identified bear who’s over 50 years old and has gray or white hair.^{[22]
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Dolphin “Dolphin” typically refers to a more slender, athletic, and hairless version of a bear.^{[23]
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Research source} This is similar to a “twink,” however, “dolphin” is usually used as a bear sub-identity while twink tends to be used more broadly to describe any queer person.^{[24]
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- “Dolphin” and “twink” may also be used interchangeably.
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Otter Someone who calls themselves an “otter” might look like a more slender version of a bear. They may identify with the hairy body and passive personality stereotype of a bear, but instead of being large and hunky, an otter might look more lean or skinny.^{[25]
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- The term “otter” was first used by gay men who identified with bear culture but didn’t feel like they quite belonged.^{[26]
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- Some people say that otters are halfway between a twink and a bear. They may not be as hairy as a bear but are also not as lean or young-looking as a twink.^{[27]
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- “Otter” can also refer to a sub-identity of people in the bear community who are an edgier version of the “guy next door.” They’re kind and completely comfortable in their own skin.^{[28]
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